Azores Whale Watching Tour – Ponta Delgada
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Biologist-Guided Experience – Our tours are always accompanied by professional marine biologists who provide live commentary, species identification, and fascinating insights into whale behavior and marine conservation.
Land-Based Lookouts (Vigias) – We use traditional lookout points on land to spot whales and dolphins before the boats even leave the marina. This local method dramatically increases our chances of successful sightings.
Ethical Wildlife Observation – At Picos de Aventura, we prioritize respectful and non-invasive approaches to wildlife, ensuring that our encounters do not disturb the animals or their natural behaviors.
Scenic Azorean Backdrop – The dramatic coastline of São Miguel and the deep blue Atlantic create a stunning setting for your adventure.
Comfort & Choice – Whether you prefer the adrenaline of a rigid inflatable speedboat or the stability of a catamaran, we offer different vessels to suit your comfort level and adventure style.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We offer tours on 2 different types of boats: A zodiac-style rigid inflatable speedboat, designed for speed, safety, and a thrilling close-to-the-water experience OR or a modern Catamaran with plenty of space to move around where you can relax inside the covered cabin or soak up the views from the open-air upper deck. This larger boat offers a more comfortable experience and amenities like toilets for your convenience. Perfect for families with small children.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Weather conditions may limit the participation of children due to safety concerns.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Two boat types available: Catamaran or Rigid Inflatable Speedboat.
Cetacean sightings guaranteed! Full-refund if we don't spot any whales OR dolphins.
Rain Coat and Life Vest (mandatory on the small boats)
Professional Marine Life Experts on board!
Food and drinks
Hotel drop-off
Hotel Pick-up
What To Expect
Meeting Point: Start your adventure at our headquarters in the Marina of Ponta Delgada. Please arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to check in and get ready for your experience. Safety Briefing & Introduction (15–20 minutes) Our team of expert marine biologists will welcome you and give a detailed safety briefing. You’ll also learn about the marine species you might encounter, local conservation efforts, and what to expect during the tour. Departure from the Marina After the briefing, we’ll board the boat and set off into the Atlantic Ocean in search of whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Our biologists will accompany you throughout the trip, offering fascinating insights and helping identify each species we encounter.
Whale & Dolphin Watching (2 to 3 hours) Spend up to 3 hours at sea, guided by our experienced crew and biologists. Sightings vary depending on the day, but you may encounter sperm whales, dolphins, and possibly even baleen whales or other migratory species. The tour combines the thrill of spotting wildlife with informative commentary and breathtaking views of the coastline. Return to the Marina After the tour, we return to our headquarters where your guides are available for any final questions or to share more about the sightings of the day.
Options
Tour on Speed Boat
Duration: 3 hours
Speedboat: High-speed, open-air zodiac boat for a more adventurous and close-to-the-water experience. Ideal for small groups and fast, a
Tour on Catamaran
Duration: 3 hours
Catamaran: Stable and roomy catamaran designed for a smooth ride. Offers panoramic views, shaded areas, and an onboard restroom — perfec
Tour on Fiberglass Boat
Duration: 3 hours
Fiberglass Boat: Spacious 30-seat fiberglass boat equipped with a suncover for shade. Comfortable and ideal for scenic
Reviews
736 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience in the mis of the Atlantic Ocean off Azores Island of Sao Miguel
bor892,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the perfect day, with no high waves or rain, the guides were very prepared and courteous with the guests, we saw many dolphins and whales
First class experience ❤️
Denise R,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent company, very professional and knowledgeable, keen to promote the welfare and protection of the whales and dolphins. Safety high on their agenda and the safety of the dolphins and whales. Highly recommend
Fantastic trip.
christopherrC2976GN,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly staff the biologist was very informative we went on the speed boat which had comfortable seats which you straddled with a grab handle on the seat back in front of you. It was quite bouncy at speed but I am 71 and coped with that ok. We saw bottle nosed dolphins logger head turtles sperm whales one pair with a baby And a finn whale which was rare for this time of year. Really great trip.
2 dolphin sightings!
Bevfrombournheath,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great that we got to see two lots of dolphins. The whales were uncooperative, but that was likely at this time of year. I wasn’t originally planning to go on that trip, so I maybe missed information where I could have brought waterproof trousers with me. The briefing at the start was professional and the staff were great.
Fall in love with the ocean 💜
neha n,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Picos de Aventura is clearly a lovely group of people who treasure their marine life and take good care of it - Thé waters in the Azores are beautiful as is the island . We were treated to a joyful display of playfulness by two separate species of dolphins . We sensed a baleen whale’s presence and it was exciting to attempt to catch a glimpse of it - I deeply appreciate the love and care the crew puts into looking after all those on board . A knowledgable and ocean loving space - I recommend the experience whole heartedly and respect the integrity of all the crew members who make this experience very special ♥️
Superb experience and excellent company throughout
DeniseR69,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience and wonderful tour, very professional company, safety high on their agenda. Knowledge and expertise by the boat crew regarding information about the different species of whales and dolphins found in these waters. Highly recommend!!
Absolutely AMAZING
ShardaVeronica,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing experience, the crew was super nice, helpful and passionate about ther job and took great care of us all. We saw lots of dolphins and a whale so we couldn’t have been happier. Thank you for a magical day that we will remember for a long time 💕
Dolphin watching
Carolyn D,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The guide was very knowledgeable. We had the opportunity to see three different species of dolphin. Apparently the racist dolphin is extremely difficult to observe. All the dolphins put on a great show unfortunately there are no whales to see no fault of the tour.
Beautiful experience
bmor1958,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very beautiful sailing experience accompanied by many dolphins. We don't see other cetaceans, but you know what the sea is like.
Well worth doing.
Elizabeth B,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour with good information. A fun morning! They prepare you well for the trip and make sure you will be warm and comfortable.
From €65.00
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Operated by Picos de Aventura - Animação e Lazer, S.A.